WISE and Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture Commemorate World Soil Day and 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

On December 10, 2025, the Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture played host to a landmark event that brought together environmental sustainability and women’s rights advocacy. Over 180 women and staff members gathered at the State Secretariat to jointly commemorate World Soil Day and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

The event was a successful collaboration between the Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE) and the Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture (MAF), inspired by the 2025 global themes:
“Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities” and “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.”

From Ground to Cyberspace: Linking Soil Health and Women’s Safety

Drawing from both global themes, the partners adopted a powerful and unifying message for the awareness walk held within the Secretariat premises:
“From Ground to Cyberspace – Healthy Soils, Safe Digital World for Women and Girls.”

This theme highlighted the interconnectedness of environmental health and social well-being, emphasizing that protecting the soil and safeguarding women and girls—both physically and digitally—are shared responsibilities that require collective action.

Strong Institutional Support and Grassroots Voices

WISE’s Ace Green Ambassador, Mrs. Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, alongside grassroots women leaders, was warmly received by the Director of Agricultural Services, Mr. Bege Bungeon, and other departmental directors within the Ministry.

In her remarks, Madam Elizabeth D. Hassan, Leader of YAHTOF, delivered a powerful message:

“Every woman you see is a gatekeeper of her family.”

She underscored the critical role of government in providing adequate security to enable women farmers engage in organic and sustainable agriculture—an effort that directly contributes to improved human and environmental health.

Mrs. Olanike Olugboji-Daramola further emphasized the urgent need to restore soil vitality, drawing attention to the alarming decline of essential soil organisms.

“It is difficult to till the soil and find earthworms, yet they are vital to soil health. We must work to revive our soils.”

Towards Policy Engagement and Strategic Partnership

In recognition of WISE’s impactful work at the intersection of environmental justice and women’s empowerment, the Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture expressed strong interest in formal collaboration.

Key commitments included:

• The Director of Agricultural Services formally requesting WISE to register with the Ministry, with assurances of a future collaboration schedule.
• Dr. Makaji, Director of Veterinary Services at MAF, confirming that WISE would be invited to participate in the validation of the Agricultural Policy review, marking a significant step toward inclusive policy engagement.

A Walk That Symbolized Hope and Collective Responsibility

The awareness walk around the Kaduna State Secretariat was both inspiring and symbolic—reinforcing the strong link between healthy ecosystems and the safety, dignity, and empowerment of women and girls.

WISE remains committed to driving conversations and actions that bridge environmental sustainability, gender justice, and policy advocacy, ensuring that no woman or girl is left behind—from the soil beneath our feet to the digital spaces we inhabit.